A Beginners Guide To Film Language

In this post I’m sharing some basic film language, a beginner’s guide if you will. 

 

Why's it basic? Well, from my own experience as a film student these are terms and phrases you’re introduced to in initial lectures and seminars. Over the last three years whilst doing my film degree I’ve used each of these countless times to analyse film and consider academic texts. I couldn’t write anything about film without using basic film language! 

 

Being a film fan doesn’t necessarily mean knowing film language is a must, but it’ll definitely give you a greater understanding and appreciation of a film and the way it's made. Additionally, these terms and phrases are often used when discussing film so if you love to listen to podcasts, radio shows, or read reviews then these will be handy to know! 

 

Cinematography

An essential component, cinematography is the art of motion picture photography. This involves the composition of a shot, lighting, framing, special effects, camera angle and movements.  The features that make up cinematography are those that effect the way we take in a film and its narrative but don't necessarily take too much notice of. 

 

Editing

A creative and technical part of the post-production of filmmaking, editing is basically assembling shots into a coherent sequence to tell a story or convey a message. For example, a scene can be made up of several shots from various angles or viewpoints that are edited together. 

 

Sound 

In film sound is used three ways: dialogue, music and sound effects are crucial when it comes to an audience’s perception of a film. The soundtrack is often favoured with audiences whether it’s been originally composed for a film or a collection of popular music. John Williams and Hans Zimmer are both well-known composers who favour a classical technique and are renowned in their field. When Williams’s career began to take off in the mid-1970s the popular music soundtrack had emerged with films like Easy Rider and The Graduate. 

 

Narrative 

The narrative is simply a film’s storyline, it is typically linear as the audience follow events unfolding as they occur. The characters of a film are typically responsible for the cause and effect in a narrative. For example, we may follow a main character who drives the narrative forward. 

 

Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene refers to the arrangement on stage of actors and stage design- pretty much everything in front of the camera including props, lighting, hair, makeup, film texture, and composition. It’s the visual presentation and look of a production.

 

Performance 

The performance of a character by an actor in a film is often the most criticised or praised by critics. An actor’s performance in a film can make or break their career, launching them into stardom. For example, renowned actress Jodie Foster’s breakthrough role was in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (1976) in which she played child prostitute Iris Steensma. 

Album Review: Sour By Oliva Rodrigo

 

Have you fell into the Olivia Rodrigo hole yet? I have and can’t say I want to climb out any time soon. She’s achieved more in the last six months than I have in twenty-three years, but that’s okay because I have SOUR to listen to. 

Before taking the world by storm with her debut single ‘driver’s license’ Rodrigo was known for her starring role as Nini on the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. After signing with Interscope and Geffen Records, she released ‘driver’s license’ in January 2021 and became an overnight sensation. Rodrigo’s following singles ‘déjà vu’ and ‘good 4 u’ were even more successful, all three completely taking over Tik Tok and every radio station. SOUR was released on May 21^st with critical acclaim and fan hysteria, I’ve probably listened to it every day since. 

 

SOUR has stormed the charts being the first debut album in history to have two number one debuts in the charts. Ultimately it's about heartbreak, a chaotic collection of breakup songs some more playful and upbeat, others melancholy and vulnerable. Rodrigo has credited Taylor Swift and Lorde as being her main musical inspirations, her feelings are relatable and so is her music taste. If you're a twenty something like me you may have grown up listening to Swift, her album Fearless is the first I remember buying on CD. Personally, I find Rodrigo's writing style similar lacing her lyrics with specifics- her ex being 'with that blonde girl', reading self-help books, listening to Billy Joel. The shouty bridge in ‘déjà vu’ was inspired by Swift’s absolute banger ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘1 step forward three steps back’ samples the soft piano ballad ‘New Years Day'. Although we can hear Rodrigo's musical inspirations in her music its still very much her own unique collection of melody and lyrics. 

 

Honestly, I’m absolutely obsessed with every track on the album. I’ve tried to pick a favourite, but it’s impossible so I’ve narrowed it down to my top five:

traitor 

1 step forward, 3 steps back 

déjà vu 

good 4 u 

enough for you 

 

I find myself listening to the album daily and playing some of these tracks once or twice- I don’t know what Rodrigo put in ‘good 4 u’ because it gives me so much serotonin! I think if SOUR is anything to go by she'll have an incredible career with lyrics and music that grow and evolve with her. 

What do you think of SOUR? Maybe you haven't listened to it yet or it's just not your thing, if so please do let me know what you're loving at the moment. 

Mid-Year Mood Board

We’re halfway through the year which means it’s time to take a look at my mid-year mood board! 

A mood board consists of text and images to visually communicate an idea, feeling or concept- if you watch Interior Design Challenge you'll know that they're often used by interior designers to help a client envision a project or style. Personally I like mood boards because you make them look as aesthetic as you like and I use them to visualise my ambitions for the future. I've found that since purchasing my iPad my love for a mood board has grown being able to produce a digital version using Procreate and Pinterest, the process is so relaxing and satisfying. I switch up the aesthetic and colour theme depending on what I'm into whether that's neutrals, 90s, or florals and they're only a few ideas. My mid-year mood board has a pink theme with positive quotes and images- giving good vibes and looking cute. 

Graduating university 

 It’s official, I’ve completed my Film Studies degree and I'm super proud of myself! Working and studying from home during such a crucial time was challenging, but it's done and now all I have to do is wait for the grades to be released. 

Begin a masters degree 

In 'My Goals For 2021' I mentioned that I'd like to apply for a master's course which I have and, as long as I get the required grades, I'll begin studying journalism in a few months. 

 

Create a podcast

Between finishing my degree, my part-time job, and keeping up with my social life my podcast hasn't progressed. However, after a short break I'm working on it again; there's a lot of research, films to be watched and specific features to be finalised. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to share it by the end of the year. 

Go on holiday

I won't be going abroad this year, but I do love a little staycation! I was lucky enough to have a gorgeous week away in the Lake District at the end of May; there's so many places to explore there with lots to do, it was super relaxing and just lovely to get away. Next up is a mini spa break in August, I've never been to a spa before but I know it's going to be dreamy. 

Start driving again 

For this things are moving in the right direction! Driving lessons and tests give me a little anxiety, but I know that passing my driving test is something I want and may need in the future. My theory test is booked, I'm feeling positive and hope that with some lessons I'll finally be able to pass my driving test. 

Positive mindset 

Your finally year of university is no joke, it drained me completely! Personally, I struggle with believing in myself and my work which causes a negative mindset. It's something I'd like to improve especially as I go on to do a masters degree. 

 

Concert

If the pandemic hadn't of happened I'd have been to six concerts last year alone. There's nothing better than live music! I'd give anything to experience the atmosphere and exhilaration of the lights going down, the crowd screaming, and the artist appearing. Honestly, I'm desperate to be at a concert even for the post-concert blues. None of my concerts have been rescheduled yet, but I've got tickets for Neighbourhood Weekender in September which is going to be epic!

There you have it, my mid-year mood board. Do you make mood boards or prefer writing down your aspirations, maybe you have a unique way of noting them down? Let me know in the comments below.